It is free-spirited, energetic, independent, decisive, dynamic, fast-moving, confident, agreeable, fit, intelligent and responsible.
Yet, it can also be easily swayed, impatient, willful and dislikes being reined in by others.
We're talking about the fire horse of this Chinese zodiac Year of the Horse.
When the Year of the Horse started on Feb. 17, it also marked the Lunar New Year on the Chinese calendar, which is based on the moon.
The Lunar New Year runs Feb. 17-27 and then preparations start for the big Lantern Festival on March 3.
.png)
The Chinese zodiac runs in a cycle of 12 animals (rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig) and five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water).
The combination of fire horse, spanning the lunar year Feb. 17, 2026 to Feb. 5, 2027, is a rare one that happens only every 60 years.
Those born in this year are believed to have the characteristics of the fire horse.
But, for the whole world, during this Year of the Fire Horse, there is expected to be heightened energy that needs to be managed wisely.
That sounds very plausible in this time of global upheaval as everyone has to dance around Donald Trump.
Anyway, this long preamble sets up the introduction of three wines ideal for honouring the Year of the Fire Horse.
Annually, Haywire Winery in Summerland creates a special, limited edition Lunar Red ($29) to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
This year's delicious Merlot-led blend is a nod to new beginnings, while staying grounded in balance.
And, of course, since this is the Year of the Fire Horse, the specifically designed label features a gold horse on a red background.
The smooth Lunar Red has aromas and flavours of plum, cherry, vanilla and spice and pairs nicely with Chinese dishes such as sauteed green vegetables in a garlic and hoisin sauce, Peking duck, honey-glazed spare ribs and dumplings.
Haywire's Lunar Red can be purchased at the winery or ordered online here:
https://okanagancrushpad.com/
A portion of procees from the sale of Lunar Red is donated to the Chinatown Storytelling Centre in Vancouver.
Haywire is also throwing a party to pour the Lunar Red alongside Chinese appetizers tomorrow (Saturday) at 6 pm.
Get your $20 ticket at:
(3).png)
Mark Anthony Group, the Vancouver-based company that also owns Mission Hill Winery in West Kelowna, CedarCreek in Kelowna, Liquidity in Okanagan Falls and Road 13 in Oliver, is recommending two wines from its import portfolio for Lunar New Year feasting.
The Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz Lunar New Year Limited Edition from Australia is a pricey, premium red that comes in a 1.5 litre magnum bottle and a special-occasion box for $215 at BC Liquor stores.
The Segura Viudas Heredad Brut Cava from Spain costs $41, making it more affordably priced and an ideal sparkling match for Chinese fare.
You can't miss the bottle in the liquor store -- it's uniquely shaped, dark green and heavy with pewter embellishments.
Happy Year of the Fire Horse!
Steve MacNaull is a NowMedia Group reporter, Okanagan wine lover and Canadian Wine Scholar. Reach him at [email protected]. His wine column appears every Friday afternoon in this space.
